Cheesy Pull Apart Christmas Tree

This Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread is the ultimate holiday centerpiece that brings both taste and festive cheer to your table. Soft, fluffy, and packed with gooey cheesy goodness, it is brushed with a savory herbed butter, sprinkled with fresh Parmesan, and given a subtle kick of red pepper flakes all arranged beautifully in the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s perfect for sharing with family and guests and will surely be a memorable snack or appetizer for your holiday celebrations.

I started making this as a tradition because I wanted to offer a festive bread option that also tastes incredible. My family now looks forward to this bread every holiday and it never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Bread flour: which provides higher protein and gluten to create chewy structure and excellent rise
• Instant yeast: for quick and reliable dough rising if using active dry yeast, soak it first to activate
• Milk: to make the dough softer and achieve a golden crust when baked
• Unsalted butter: for enriching the dough you can adjust salt if using salted butter
• Mozzarella cheese: either cubed or string cheese for the melty cheesy center
• Fresh herbs: to mix in melted butter if using dried herbs reduce quantity for balanced flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese: for topping fresh grated Parmesan delivers the best flavor
• Red pepper flakes: add a subtle spicy kick optional but recommended for depth
• Marinara sauce: for dipping to complement the cheesy bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sift and Combine Dough Ingredients:

Mix all dry ingredients except butter into a large bowl. Using a stand mixer or by hand, combine these well to ensure even distribution of yeast and flour.

Add Butter to Dough:

Gradually add softened butter into the dough and continue mixing until fully incorporated making the dough smooth and elastic.

First Rise and Punching:

Let dough rise until it doubles in size, then punch down firmly to release trapped gases which helps build flavor and texture.

Divide and Stuff Dough Balls:

Separate dough into 33 equal pieces, let them rest to relax the gluten, then stuff each piece with a cube or string of mozzarella cheese for gooey centers.

Shape Dough into Christmas Tree:

Arrange the stuffed dough balls on a baking tray in the shape of a Christmas tree allowing space between each to rise further.

Second Proof and Egg Wash:

Allow the dough balls to proof until puffy and slightly risen. Brush the entire surface gently with egg wash to encourage golden color.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake in a preheated oven until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts inside creating pull-apart goodness.

Prepare Herb Butter:

Melt butter and mix in finely chopped fresh herbs creating a savory brush that will elevate the flavor.

Brush Herb Butter and Garnish:

Generously brush the baked bread with herb butter then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, herbs, and red pepper flakes evenly over the top.

Bookmark

I love how the cheese oozes out when you pull each piece apart, it feels like a warm hug on a cold winter evening. Making this with family is always fun, especially shaping it into a tree and enjoying the smiles it brings.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and placed inside a ziplock to maintain freshness. Refrigerate and consume within 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes or use the air fryer for a crispy outside with melty cheese inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

All-purpose flour can be used if you do not have bread flour but expect a softer and less chewy texture. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs work but reduce quantities drastically to avoid overpowering the bread. For cheese replacements, provolone or fontina can be used though mozzarella remains the best gooey option. Butter can be substituted with margarine but taste and texture will differ slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a side of homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for dipping adding bright acidity to balance the richness. Pair with a light salad or soup to create a full meal experience at holiday gatherings. Top with extra grated Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving to boost aroma and flavor.

Cultural and Historical Context

Pull-apart bread recipes have Italian roots, often featuring garlic and cheese to accompany meals. This festive Christmas tree shape adds a modern twist perfectly suited to holiday celebrations. It’s part of a growing trend to make food not only delicious but visually playful and themed for special occasions.

Pro Tips

Always measure your flour with a scale for accurate dough consistency and predictable results. Do not rush the proofing stages. Let the dough rise until it is properly puffy which ensures a light and airy crumb. Brush the herb butter generously right out of the oven so it melts into the surface for full flavor absorption.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I knead the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer?

Yes, kneading by hand is a great option that lets you feel the dough’s texture changes. It takes longer but gives a satisfying connection to the process and a good arm workout.

→ How do I know when the dough has proofed enough?

Press your finger gently about half an inch into the dough. If the indent springs back slowly and partially fills in, the dough is ready to bake.

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely. After kneading, refrigerate the dough instead of the first rise. Bring it back to room temperature for the final rise before shaping.

→ What causes dough not to rise or double in volume?

Common reasons include cold kitchen temperature, inactive yeast, or overheating the liquid when mixing. Keep the environment warm and use fresh yeast for best results.

→ How do I store and reheat leftover bread?

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and store in the fridge. Reheat in a 350ºF oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer to refresh the crust.

→ Can dried herbs be used instead of fresh in the herbed butter?

Yes, reduce fresh herb quantities by about one-third if substituting with dried herbs to maintain balanced flavor.